On track ... Beijing's Airport Express. Photo: Getty ImagesYOU'VE booked flights and secured accommodation; you're all set. Or are you? Flights and hotels can be the easy parts of travel. Once you're on board or checked in, you're someone else's responsibility.
It's the bits in between them, getting to and from airports, that are fraught with potential mishaps. You're loaded with luggage, so less agile than usual, or are on a tight schedule. You perhaps don't travel all that often, or you're in a new and foreign place. There are language difficulties, budget considerations and a range of variables that include everything from traffic to tricksters. To avoid stress, research is key.
Advertisement: Story continues below
Home to airportWhich transport is the best depends on point of departure, number of people travelling, duration of stay and budget. Private car transport and taxi services are often the best alternatives to and from Sydney Airport. The Airport Link train from the city centre costs about $15 for a full adult fare (less for same-day return). But with two-plus people travelling from the city, inner west or eastern suburbs, a taxi won't cost all that much more than your combined train tickets - maybe less.
For those on train lines further afield, Airport Link may prove cost efficient (www.airport.link.com.au).
For departures from the inner city and suburbs, shuttles can also be excellent value, with return tickets offering trips for as little as $11. For shuttles outside the city, Google which company picks up in your area. Sydney Buses may also service your area with a connection to the airport (131500.com).
A limousine service is a good - albeit top-dollar - option for those who are time-poor and might need a car on standby or for people who need help with their luggage. Some savvy folk choose to drive themselves to the airport and use long-term parking. If coming from outside greater Sydney, this is both time- and cost-efficient. Several private parking operators are dotted around the airport, as well as the terminal's own facility (parking.sydneyairport.com.au). The site has a great transport calculator, which, based on postcode and passenger number, gives you the most cost-efficient way to go.
One word of warning about long-term parking: I once missed an early flight to Perth as I stood at a shuttle stop watching full peak-hour services from the car park to the terminal go by me. It's a 20-minute extra-time option at best. Peak hours can be worse. And therein lies one of the best tips a traveller can get: whichever mode of transport you choose, make sure you have factored in enough time for your journey, potential hold-ups and check-in processes before boarding is due. It's better to read a book in the gate lounge for 40 minutes than miss your flight.
Airport to hotel
The best mode of transport depends on where you are in the world. Here are some common airports and tips for getting to and from them.
Bangkok After lengthy delays, Suvarnabhumi Airport's train line has opened. That might be welcome news to anyone who's ever been stuck in a traffic-jammed taxi on their way into central Bangkok, which is pretty much anyone who's ever visited Bangkok and taken a taxi from the airport. Debate rages on which is the best option, however. Taxis, while often slow, are super-cheap, plentiful and door-to-door convenient. The train often requires a walk and a change of lines. Perhaps the best way is a combination of taxi to a main station, then train to the airport.
There's an excellent trip planner at transitbangkok.com.
Singapore The train from Changi to City Hall costs less than $S2 ($1.59). A taxi is about $S26. That's still very reasonable for the 20-kilometre ride. But think of how you can spend that $S26 on Orchard Road. Unsurprisingly, ultra-efficient Singapore makes it easy and cheap whichever way you go.
London This city has an outstanding train system and the Tube from Heathrow is the cheapest way to get in and out of the main airport. Even though London's black cabs can carry up to five passengers, splitting the cost, you still risk some spectacular traffic snarls and huge fares, whereas the Tube usually just chugs on in within about 40 to 60 minutes at a set cost of £5 ($7.60).
Even better, the Heathrow Express runs non-stop to Paddington Station, taking a mere 15 minutes for £16.50 one way. Likewise, the Gatwick Express, which departs from London Victoria, is great value (£17.90) and a quick, comfortable service. A word of warning for those with luggage: check which city Tube stations have lifts.visitlondon.com.
Los Angeles When deciding how to get to and from Los Angeles International Airport , consider public transport if you have way more time than money.
The system is cheap but it's slow and disjointed. Assuming you are going to Hollywood, choose the Union Station FlyAway bus to Union Station and catch the Metro Red Line to Hollywood from there.
However, if you're staying somewhere on the coast - Santa Monica or Venice Beach, for instance - go by taxi as they are close to LAX. Most people who visit LA hire a car. This sprawling city is hard to get around without one. So pick it up at the airport. Alternatively - this goes for all destinations - choose a hotel that offers airport transfers.
Beijing Since the 2008 Olympics, the Beijing subway has changed the way visitors can access the city with the inclusion of the very fast Airport Express. Brilliantly avoiding the diabolical Beijing traffic (for the most part, as you'll probably need a taxi from the city station to your hotel) the 25-yuan ($3.60) trip takes "16 minutes", bjsubway.com says.
Paris Regular bus transfers run between Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports as well as stops at airport hotels. paris-airport-shuttle.com.
The train is the best option for the city. It costs €8.50 ($11.60) and takes about 40 minutes. parisbytrain.com.
Australian airports
Sydney The Airportlink train runs to city stations and Kings Cross. $15 one way for adults from the domestic terminal. $15.80 from the international terminal. www.airportlink.com.au
Melbourne The Skybus goes express to Southern Cross Station. $16 one way. skybus.com.au.
Brisbane Airtrain takes 22 minutes and costs $15. airtrain.com.au.
Gold Coast A range of shuttle companies service various areas.
Perth Bus shuttles run to the city and Fremantle. perthairportconnect.com.au.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/travel/traveller-tips/planning-takes-pain-out-of-flying-20110630-1grtw.html#ixzz1SoWYGQAI
No comments:
Post a Comment